The MDGs: Everyone’s Business is a new report from UNDP’s GIM Initiative covering 40 case studies and over 140 supporting institutions referenced by specific MDGs, released on 21 September 2010 in the framework of the United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals.

Mostly based on GIM’s new set of case studies, Business Call to Action (BCtA) company initiatives, and UNDP’s own partnerships at local, regional and global levels, the report highlights inclusive business models – from large multinational companies (MNCs) and domestic companies to cooperatives, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) using business principles – and the key actors that support them – from policymakers to researchers and advocates, funders and resource providers.

The report’s main objectives are to:

Highlight the role of different types of businesses and other actors in creating inclusive business models

Acknowledge what has already been achieved and highlight best practices

Show businesses who can support them in their engagement for the MDGs and how

For example, under the Ikotoilet project, Ecotact builds and operates high-quality, public, pay-per-use toilet and shower facilities on public land in urban centers in Kenya, with particular emphasis on the poorest areas, contributing to MDG 7. In India, A Little World offers a secure, low-cost platform for financial services through special mobile phones, making progress on MDG 8. The technology enables corruption-free distribution of government transfers to the poor. Contributing to youth employment and MDG 1 in Iran is Saraman, who produces affordable, earthquake-proof prefabricated steel structures for houses, schools and hospitals.

The report represents the beginning of extensive research undertaken by GIM into understanding the diverse set of actors that support and enable the development and scaling up of inclusive business models. By collaborating and building on each other´s work, businesses, governments, donors, NPOs and others can develop more inclusive markets that result in expanded choice and opportunity for the poor.

Actor profiles from this publication and other sources will gradually be made available in a new online database.